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Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:22:39 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.1Robert M. Koch—Veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Renown Research Scientisthttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/robert-m-koch-veteran-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge-renown-research-scientist/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/robert-m-koch-veteran-of-the-battle-of-the-bulge-renown-research-scientist/#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 06:02:31 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=5588Robert M. Koch—Veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Renown Research Scientist “It was on or about December 12. We had a good idea of what to expect as we had been issued flame throwers, bangalore torpedoes and pole chargers. … Continue reading →

Robert M. Koch—Veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, Renown Research Scientist“It was on or about December 12. We had a good idea of what to expect as we had been issued flame throwers, bangalore torpedoes and pole chargers. We moved through the forest with the first battalion, doing all the fighting that day. It was rugged country, a continuous series of up one slope, and down another. That night, we started to dig in. It was dark, so dark you couldn’t see your hand in front of you, and the ground was frozen. The next morning, our objective was a line of pillboxes about 2000 yards to our front. We reached the hill, which we later called Purple Heart Hill, and moved up. Then all hell broke loose. It seemed the sky had cracked open. Our own artillery had put the barrage right on top of us. About that time a shell struck a tree about 50 yards away. I started to dig like a mole. The tree bursts sent shrapnel flying in every direction. We had about 30 casualties in 15 minutes. We took the first pillbox without too much trouble, then pulled back. It was bitter cold now, and we didn’t have our bedrolls or overcoats. No one slept much that night.”

Robert Koch was born in a Midwest town, living in four Midwest states, before moving to Billings, Montana, with his father, stepmom and older brother (having lost his mother at 14 years old). Billings presented him with a high school degree and his first love, Virginia.

A boy like that, who’s known farmers and ranchers his entire life, naturally gravitated toward agriculture at Montana State. But the year was 1942, and a world war was raging. After first attempting to join the Army Air Corps, Bob enlisted with the Army in February of 1943. Before packing his haversack, he made sure to propose to Virginia.

Bob’s high I.Q. landed him in the Army Specialized Training Program in Texas, designed to meet the war’s demand for soldiers with technical skills. These were intensive science courses for the best and the brightest, where students earned a four-year degree and a commission in just 18 months. In their academia, they were considered active duty, in uniform and under military discipline.

Then came the Allies’ devastating losses on D-Day, and Bob was shipped out to the European Theatre with his schoolmates mid-1944 (the 99th Infantry Division)…and not just to any battle, but WWII’s bloodiest and fiercest, the Battle of the Bulge.

This six-week campaign in the bitter winter of 1944-45 began as a major German offensive on the Western Front. Bob was named Scout and Marksman (of .50 caliber machine guns). His keen intelligence, and that of his fellow students-turned-infantrymen proofed valuable in the forests of Ardennes. Our 610,000 GIs fought as if possessed, though outnumbered and outgunned, in 8-inch snow.

Our troops moved faster than our supplies in that campaign. Bob can attest, “They finally got overshoes out to us, except for me. I wore size 14 (Bob is 6’5” tall) and of those, there were none. I had to wear regular shoes and leggings all winter.”

Named for the Allied front line, which “bulged” inward toward German-held ground, the Battle of the Bulge turned the war by depleting Germany’s war-making resources, but not before taking 19,000 of our men.

Only in the 1970s, when Bob attended a reunion of the 99th infantry, did he begin to share some of the harrowing stories of his winter in a foxhole outside of Bastogne, Belgium, a heroic service for which he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Bob was promoted to 2nd lieutenant before his 21st birthday in the Spring of Germany’s defeat. He was headed next to Japan when the H bomb drew WWII to a stunning close. But Bob’s next destination was not Home; he was reassigned to occupied Germany for another full year. And Virginia waited. Even longer.

In July 1946, they wed. Two years later, Bob graduated with a BS degree in animal husbandry, then it was on to the University of Iowa for his Master’s and Doctorate in that same field. His was to be the life of a researcher.

For the next 50 years, much of it in Nebraska’s university and private laboratories, Bob worked in beef cattle genetics. His hypotheses…tested and proven…gave us heartier breeds, healthy animals, better meat…and the repeated praise of his peers. By 1959, he was chairman of the animal science department at the University of Nebraska.

When he wasn’t analyzing, Bob could be found nursing plants in his large garden or serving at the local episcopal church. In the years following Virginia’s death, Bob remarried. He and Mary Jane enjoyed many a summer at their Lake City, MI, cottage.

At 80 years old, Bob submitted his final paper to the leading industry journal, one of countless works presented in writing and at conferences around the world. His research contributions are cited in more than 150 scientific publications.

Today, though struggling with memory loss, Bob can still regale you with stories from the Western Front. Even more to his credit, Bob’s quick wit and good humor remains. His son, Bill, praises the team at Bear Creek. “Unbelievably devoted…marvelous…Jeff, Leslie, my father loves them all. Leslie (Life Enrichment Coordinator) can get Dad engaged in activities like no one else can.”

At the VIP Reception for MorningStar at Bear Creek, Bob, our ribbon-cutter, walked briskly to the podium. It was only natural for this world-renown scientist to take to the microphone.

MorningStar is humbled to now be of service to a gentleman of the caliber and character of Robert M. Koch.

MorningStar’s story begins with an impassioned pre-history…namely, the life of Founder Ken Jaeger. Born and raised on a large multi-generational farm in the Midwest, Ken and his siblings were presented daily with lessons in economics, diligence, and honest, hard work.

After 15 years of leadership experience and keen observation within the senior living industry, Ken determined to establish is own brand of senior living.

“It was 2003. I had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch—to create true homes where all decisions have, at their core, our residents,” he reminisces. “I wanted to re-create my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.”

Ken continues to share from the opening chapter to MorningStar: “I had been searching for a company name for months. I wanted something that was alive and comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force—most importantly, a name that spoke to the passion I have for bringing loving care to seniors.Then one day, while reading the Bible, that name—MorningStar—jumped out at me in a verse in the Bible, where “Jesus said, ‘I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Out of this heart of Ken’s, so focused on the power of relationships, came three mission statements upon which MorningStar would be grounded:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships—a commitment to strong moral values and ethics

• Value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals—a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence

• Invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well—a commitment to hiring and retaining employees who use creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve residents

In the summer of 2014, we introduced a commissioned art piece entitled Tree of Life(seen here), which celebrates our Name and our Mission. You’ll find this triptych now hanging proudly in all of our communities, together with an explanation of its greater symbolism. (Click Here)

As we grow, what will keep MorningStar true to its mission? Building the right infrastructure at the right time. Putting the right people in key roles. Staying humble.

]]>http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/about-usour-story/feed/0WellStarhttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/wellstar-2/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/wellstar-2/#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 08:39:20 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=238Joy isn’t ever in a season but in the way we see. There is always reason to arise confident in the day and the promise it holds…. To engage the day with mind, body and spirit. To continue learning and … Continue reading →

Joy isn’t ever in a season but in the way we see. There is always reason to arise confident in the day and the promise it holds…. To engage the day with mind, body and spirit. To continue learning and contributing. To shine.WellStar is MorningStar’s signature wellness program. The charge of our Wellness and Life Enrichment Teams is to present residents with creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

At MorningStar, each day is filled with opportunities to ignite a plan that enhances health and wellness. Our activities integrate different modalities and senses to feed the whole body and brain. The result? Reduced pain. Less reliance on medication. A marked difference in mood and physical well being.

Below are examples of WellStar at work in our homes.

Physical Wellness:
We have fitness and movement opportunities every day, sometime indoors, sometimes under blue skies. In true Rockies style, we have a Flat Fourteeners Club where residents come together to walk the neighboring paths.

We created Wish Upon A Star to enable residents to live out their dreams—for to live is to hope and dream. For one resident, a quadriplegic who was once a competitive swimmer, that dream was to swim again. Her MorningStar team helped make it happen.

Spiritual Wellness:
Our lovely chapel is open to all faiths for prayer and meditation, with a non-denomination service held every Sunday. Devotionals, Bible study, hymn singing and group prayer are held during the week. Communion is shared monthly.

Intellectual Wellness:
For our S.T.A.R. speaker series, we provide regular presentations for inspirational, educational and interactive topics about life and issues, sometimes led our own residents. We also host My Memories, where residents are invited to reminisce about their lives, loves and triumphs.

Our residents, including those with dementia, especially enjoy educational games that work their brains. One 100-year-old resident is known as our Trivial Pursuit queen.

Social Wellness:
Everything we do in a MorningStar day is social. Activities. Exercise. Meals. Especially eating! Dining at MorningStar is a special occasion every day, thanks to our Certified Executive Chefs and the wonders they create to tempt us.

We encourage residents to use their own special talents and personality to enrich our community. One community boasts a Resident Choir who perform on occasion for the entire community. We’re known to gather around the piano for sing-alongs. And, of course, we celebrate seasonal holidays as a community of family.

Sometimes we hit the road in the MorningStar bus and head for a new movie release, special interest destinations, swimming at the rec center, or scenic drives. Shopping excursions are even more often

All this comes with the reward of not just relationships, but accountability (you are truly missed if ever you don’t show up).

WellStar is enhanced further by our Life Enrichment partners:

Active Minds
Adjunct professors, graduate students and other enthused teachers are brought in through Active Minds, a popular organization in Metro Denver serving seniors wherever they may live. MorningStar is proud to be Active Mind’s premier sponsor partner, furthering their mission to bring stimulating lectures on wide-ranging topics to seniors, both under our own roof and at gathering places around town.

Bessie’s Hope
To build our corps of volunteers, we turn to organizations such as Bessie’s Hope, a non-profit group that trains people of all ages to work with seniors during interactive group visits. We love the inter-generational relationships that form through this outreach.

A Wiser Mind
A group of licensed clinicians, A Wiser Mind offers therapy to residents and their families, including brain activation.

It’s all on our calendar. Every day. Fun and healthy reasons to step out your door and join in.

Of course, true wellness is ultimately found, not in programming, but in the human touch. Touching reminds us we’re still here. It’s the antidote to loneliness—for all of us.

“MorningStar is different, beyond any other experience I’ve had in senior living. From the heart of our founder trickles down the freedom to truly love our residents. To look someone in the eye and assure them they’re right where they’re supposed to be. To hold their hand or give them a hug. That’s why I love serving at MorningStar.” (Nikki, Life Enrichment Coordinator)

]]>http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/wellstar-2/feed/0Decision Guidehttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/decision-guide-2/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/decision-guide-2/#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 08:38:42 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=236The search for a retirement home is often precipitated by major change, a recognized need for transition. When seniors… and their families walk into our homes, emotions are running high.To help you decide whether the time is right for Senior … Continue reading →

The search for a retirement home is often precipitated by major change, a recognized need for transition. When seniors… and their families walk into our homes, emotions are running high.To help you decide whether the time is right for Senior Living, particularly Assisted Living, we offer this decision guide.

Retirement options are brighter and wider than ever before in history. (See Senior Living Terms.) Yet all those choices can sometimes just lead to confusion. So our first advice is to clearly identify what you’re trying to solve, with an eye not just to next year, but to the next 5-10 years.

Assisted Living is a relatively new idea. In the late 1990s, our culture realized that the town “nursing home” was often a dour choice. Institutional. Depressing. No real home at all.

We also realized many seniors didn’t require a nurse, just a little help with daily living. And as our nation’s treasures, they certainly deserved not just to survive, but thrive amid fine dining, libraries, fitness centers and creative programs. Built on a European social model, Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement.

How do I know it’s time to move to Assisted Living?
Simply said, when the transition will ease the stress of either the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s.

Assisted Living is the best choice if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an Independent Living community, yet doesn’t need 24-hour medical care and supervision. Consider these further determinants:

Safety
Have there been any recent falls?

Driving mishaps?

Bruises or cuts he/she doesn’t want you to notice?

Prone to wander?

Leaving the stovetop on?

Health
Struggling with failing eyesight?

Poor balance?

Forgetfulness?

Hygiene
Wearing the same clothes day after day?

Struggling with personal bathing and toileting?

Housekeeping
Dishes not getting washed?

Home looking less tidy and more cluttered?

Unopened mail accumulating?

Dietary
Losing weight?

Spoiled or no food in the refrigerator?

Unable to get to the grocery store?

Social
Calling/seeing friends infrequently?

Alone more often than not?

No longer attending church or other regular social activities?

Is it Alzheimer’s?
Changes in cognitive abilities, executive function, and behavior could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, some of these same symptoms are also indicative of other forms of dementia. While only a neurologist can diagnosis Alzheimer’s, the following could be warning signs:

Difficulty with familiar tasks

Slipping job performance

Language difficulties

Confusion of place and time

Lack of judgment

Trouble with abstract thinking

Misplacing and hiding objects

Mood fluctuations

Changes in personality

Lack of initiative

Starting the Conversation
Pick a time and place that’s relaxed. Gather important family members. Then start slow. This is not a once-for-all conversation; it often comes in stages. Still, you might be surprised. Perhaps your loved one has been thinking about this very thing for some time. Don’t forget to include the benefits in your discussion.

For as much as we all resist change, we know from near-continuous experience, that change also brings invigorating new relationships, joys and adventure. The structure and society offered in Assisted Living communities can bring a return of healthy routines and healthier lives.

Monthly Expense Comparison (.pdf form to download)
(This needs to be formatted as a checklist with two column headers (Current Home and MorningStar); all the blank lines under MS should read “included

Compare your current cost of living to the value of MorningStar

Mortgage/Rent

Property Tax/Home Insurance

Meals/Snacks & Refreshments

Real Estate Taxes

Utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, cable, internet)

Housekeeping

Laundry, Personal and Linens

Yard Maintenance

24-Hour Emergency Call Service

24-hour Care Staff

Leisure Activities

Health Monitoring Programs

Fitness Programs

Home Maintenance/Repairs

Transportation (insurance, gas, repairs)

Total Monthly Costs

Finding Candidates
Ah, Google. There you will find more choices than you can imagine. Too many, really. So first narrow the field geographically, then by type of community (55+, CCRC, IL, AL, MC, SNF). Limit yourself to 3-4 candidates.

Touring
The adult child (or healthier spouse) is typically given the initial legwork. Tour no more than two communities in a day (or risk becoming overwhelmed).

On an initial tour, expect a lot of details. Take notes. But try to focus on the overall ambiance also. Begin to weigh value against cost.

If you like what you see and hear, return to your top two with your loved one for a more social tour. Revisit your preferred choices at different times of day on different days of the week.

Consider a trial stay to take Senior Living “for a spin and see how it feels.”

Compare & Contrast Senior Living Communities
(This needs to be formatted as a checklist with columns and blank lines; with MorningStar as one column)

In comparing one community to the next, consider these factors:
Age of building

Local or national owner/manager

Large, medium or small company (how many total properties?)

Your budget

Publicly or privately-owned company

Size of the facility itself

Has a Certified Executive Chef

Menu: varied, appealing, healthy

Common Areas (dining room, library, bistro, etc.)

Private Dining Room (for small parties)

Amenities

Friendliness and competence of staff

Wellness program (social, physical, spiritual, intellectual)

What’s included in the suite rental (housekeeping, maintenance, concierge and scheduled group transportation?
Does it feel like home?

Particular questions ________

Particular likes ________

Particular dislikes ________

Talk it Up
Speak with friends about Senior Living to glean from their experience and advice. Consult with trusted advisors: physician, attorney, stockbroker, pastor, in-home health providers and others who have already guided you through major life decisions.

Who Should Make the Decision?
This often comes down to a consensus among several family members. The senior him or herself, even if suffering from dementia, must be given a voice.

Afterall, we’re talking about their new home. Their new adventure. Yes, they may be losing some capabilities, but our human spirit craves dignity, independence and choice.

When It’s All Said and Done
In the end, don’t let the complexities of this decision mask the fact that your instincts are to be trusted. One place will just feel like home. And the staff will feel like family. You’ll know it straight away.

]]>http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/decision-guide-2/feed/0Coming Soon to Our Family of Communitieshttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/coming-soon-to-our-family-of-communities-2/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/coming-soon-to-our-family-of-communities-2/#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 13:08:17 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=82New MorningStar communities for assisted living and memory care are opening in Colorado Springs, CO and Phoenix, AZ in Fall 2013. Visit now our Information Center on site in Colorado Springs. Another new home in Centennial, CO opens in Spring … Continue reading →

New MorningStar communities for assisted living and memory care are opening in Colorado Springs, CO and Phoenix, AZ in Fall 2013. Visit now our Information Center on site in Colorado Springs. Another new home in Centennial, CO opens in Spring 2014.

]]>http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/coming-soon-to-our-family-of-communities-2/feed/0Welcome to MorningStarhttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/giving-back-2/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/giving-back-2/#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 12:16:02 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=70Welcome to MorningStar It’s in the air. You can feel it. You can see it with your own eyes every day: our staff flat out loving our residents, loving them like they do their own moms and dads. We see … Continue reading →

Welcome to MorningStar

It’s in the air. You can feel it. You can see it with your own eyes every day: our staff flat out loving our residents, loving them like they do their own moms and dads.

We see our residents as heroes—men and women who have exacted out of life all its triumphs and trials, who in raw courage and tenacity have invested their days. Seniors are a testimony to the colossal events in history. They’ve witnessed world wars and the world wide web—all in one glorious sweep.If anyone deserves honor and respect, it is our seniors. This is MorningStar’s high and chosen calling.

We start with exceptional architecture and meticulous attention to the details that mark superior design. As a natural extension of your suite, you will be drawn into our graciously-appointed common areas. Resort-style amenities include a Salon, Spa Bath, Theater and Library. Elegant, but unassuming. Relaxed enough to put your feet up. For this is a real home, after all—a genuine, be-yourself, kick-off-your-shoes home.

Yet all the creature comforts in the world cannot outweigh community. This is where we excel, in filling MorningStar with ways to be better, brighter, together. For those itching to be active, something is always astir.

Our staff feel deeply privileged to be working in someone else’s home. We know our residents are entrusting us to maintain their pride of ownership. That’s why our shared areas are always beautiful, warm—and ready to receive callers.

You, the adult children, are seen as an important part of the MorningStar family too. We want you to consider this your home away from home. So settle back and stay a while.

]]>http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/giving-back-2/feed/0Giving Backhttp://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/welcome-to-morningstar/
http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/welcome-to-morningstar/#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 07:09:15 +0000http://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/?p=38Giving Back Part of MorningStar’s chosen responsibility as a company, and as individuals, is to invest our time and talents in charitable projects within our own city and around the world. In this, Founder Ken Jaeger takes a decided lead. … Continue reading →

Giving Back

Part of MorningStar’s chosen responsibility as a company, and as individuals, is to invest our time and talents in charitable projects within our own city and around the world. In this, Founder Ken Jaeger takes a decided lead.

Ken is passionate about helping the poor in Third World countries. From his earliest days in Colorado, he was deeply impacted by abject poverty internationally. Ken resolved then to use any success he might achieve in combating despair with hope.

Since 1985, he has made trips of mercy to Juarez, Mexico; central Mexico; Honduras; Sudan; Kenya; and South Africa. In 2008, he directed his energies to the orphans of Puerto Cabazas, Nicaragua. To this remote village Ken now leads building teams three times a year through a sponsorship with Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO, of which Ken has long been a member. Last year, two MorningStar staff joined him in Puerto Cabazas, and for Christmas 2012, Ken brought down not only his own family, but St. Nic(!) gifts given by our residents.